Esophageal Stage 3 Cancer

2010-06-13T22:01:23Z

I had a hard time figuring out how to post anything, and if I've done anything wrong by going about it this way, I apologize.

I am from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA

I was diagnosed with stage 3 Esophageal Cancer last October 30, 2009. (Stage 3 T3/N1/MO)

I went through 206 hrs continuous chemo infusion plus 28 radiations in 5.5 weeks.(Chemo was two sessions of 103 hrs continuously on the 1st and 5th week and radiation 5 days per week. Hell, that almost killed me-:)

I had about 5 weeks off, then the Ivor Lewis surgery done February 24, 2010 at Mayo Clinic.

I've had some pretty serious complications and right now am concerned about the pain I still have in my abdomen. It feels like I have about 500 lbs on my stomach just compressing and never letting up. It becomes hard to even get a breath.

I've spent about 25 days in the local hospital here since the surgery. 5 ER runs doubled up on the floor of my brother's truck for the 20 mile ride there. I was given Dilaudid, even at Mayo, for pain. I'm now dependent on it and have a pain pump so I can be home.

My colon was going into spasms after the surgery, and they feel that's what what was causing (ay still be) thhe original pain

I've been weaning myself off the Dilaudid as best I can, cutting my dosage back so far from 2mg per hr through my PICCLine down to 1.3mg every 45 minutes, should I desire. I never did do more than about 14mg per day. I've cut myself down to about 6.5mg per day in the last 2.5 weeks. It's been like mental torture to do so. The pump and ability to push the button is at my fingertips 24/7. I push it about 5-6 times per day right now

I've done enough reading to know that it well could be the Dilaudid causing the pain (Hyperalgesia).

My question would be if anybody else has been in a similar situation and if the pain I feel in my abdomen especially after I eat anything is normal. It's like somebody tightening a vise around my whole abdomen continuously.

Thank You-

Dave

Esophageal Cancer/Ivor Lewis/Severe Stomach Pain

Esophageal Stage 3 Cancer